Chili Con Carne – A Hearty and Spicy Tex-Mex Classic
Chili Con Carne is a hearty and comforting dish packed with rich flavors of beef, tomatoes, beans, and a blend of spices. This recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner on a chilly evening or as a crowd-pleaser at your next gathering. It’s easy to make, filling, and can be customized to your taste—spicy, mild, or somewhere in between. Serve it with rice, tortilla chips, or enjoy it on its own.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Sour cream and shredded cheese (optional, for serving)
Directions
Heat the oil. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened.
Cook the garlic and beef. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Then, add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 8-10 minutes.
Add the vegetables. Stir in the chopped red and green bell peppers. Cook for 5 minutes until they begin to soften.
Combine the liquids and spices. Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Then add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Season with salt and pepper.
Simmer. Bring the chili to a simmer and reduce the heat to low. Let it cook uncovered for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors have melded together.
Add the beans. In the last 10 minutes of cooking, stir in the kidney beans and black beans. Let them heat through.
Serve. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, and shredded cheese, if desired.
Recipe tips
If you prefer a spicier chili, increase the cayenne pepper or add fresh chopped jalapeños. For a milder version, reduce or omit the cayenne altogether. Chili actually tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to develop, so it’s a great dish to prepare in advance. You can throw in some chopped zucchini, corn, or carrots for extra nutrition and texture. Ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of beef for a lighter option.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
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